Composer

:

Michael Finnissy

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

4:52

Descriptive Jottings of London is a contemporary classical composition by Michael Finnissy, a British composer and pianist. The piece was composed in 1984 and premiered on 22nd November of the same year at the Purcell Room in London. Descriptive Jottings of London is a suite of six movements, each of which is a musical representation of a specific location in London. The movements are titled: "The Tower", "The Barbican", "The West End", "The East End", "The City", and "The South Bank". The piece is characterized by its use of extended techniques, such as prepared piano, where objects are placed on the strings of the piano to alter the sound, and the use of unconventional playing methods, such as plucking the strings or hitting the piano with the fists. The music is also highly rhythmic, with complex and irregular time signatures, and features a wide range of dynamics, from delicate and quiet to loud and forceful. Finnissy's intention with Descriptive Jottings of London was to capture the essence of the city through music, and to reflect the diversity and complexity of London's different neighborhoods. The piece is a vivid and evocative portrayal of the city, with each movement offering a unique perspective on London's urban landscape. Overall, Descriptive Jottings of London is a challenging and innovative work that showcases Finnissy's skill as a composer and pianist. Its unconventional approach to composition and its exploration of the sonic possibilities of the piano make it a significant contribution to contemporary classical music.

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